Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has welcomed the news the Conservative Government is extending the £2 bus fare cap benefitting bus users in Milton Keynes until December 2024.
This funding comes on top of the government’s unprecedented investment of over £3.5 billion for the bus sector since March 2020 to support its recovery from the pandemic, drive improvements to local bus services and encourage more use of buses.
The Get Around For £2 bus fare cap scheme had been due to rise to £2.50 but will instead remain at £2 and continue until 31 December 2024 thanks to the redirected HS2 funding. This takes total government investment to cap bus fares at £2 to nearly £600 million.
Ben Everitt MP said: "Milton Keynes has received millions of pounds in funding to support bus services in the last few years and this new extension to the £2 bus fare is welcome news for the many people across the city who rely on buses.
"I understand the important of bus services and that's why I've fought hard for more funding in MK, as well as meeting with the Bus Minister Richard Holden and calling on MK Council to do more to protect our services."
Transport Secretary, Mark Harper, commented: "Buses are the most popular form of public transport, which is why we are continuing to back our buses with record high levels of funding – supporting vital bus services and offering affordable travel for passengers.
"This increase in funding to deliver more reliable, frequent and affordable local bus services – and to extend the £2 bus fare cap – has only been possible with the redirected HS2 funding secured by this government making the right long-term decisions for a brighter future."